(WWJ) A strong cold front is expected to push across across Southeast Michigan in the early hours of Wednesday morning -- bringing rain, a twenty-degree temperature drop and severe winds up to 45 miles per hour.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a wind advisory for all counties in and around Metro Detroit, starting at 4 a.m. Wednesday morning as that cold front moves through.
In those early hours between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., local residents can expect rain along with west winds blowing at 15 to 25 miles per hour.
As the morning gets underway, wind speeds will increase, and 35- to 45-mile-per-hour gusts will continue throughout the afternoon and evening.
Conditions will improve heading into the overnight hours, with NWS ending the wind advisory at 10 p.m. Wednesday night.
In addition to local counties -- Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Monroe -- the wind advisory also covers Lenawee, Livingston, St. Clair, Lapeer, Genesee, Shiawassee, Sanilac, Tuscola, Saginaw, Huron, Bay and Midland counties.
Metro Detroiters can prepare for the high-speed gales by securing outdoor furniture, decorations and other belongings that may blow around. Parking cars in driveways or garages can prevent them from being damaged by falling tree limbs or other debris.
Taking the necessary precautions for power outages is also recommended -- including having flashlights, candles, non-perishable food, coolers and bottled water on hand.
Anyone driving in Wednesday's poor weather conditions should use extra caution, especially those operating commercial vehicles or trailers.
According to Accuweather Meteorologist Brian Thompson, the rest of the week is looking cold but mild.
Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high of 37 degrees. Temperatures climbing to 49 degrees Friday, breezy with cloudy skies. Saturday will be much the same with some light rain in the morning.
